What we learned from famous celebrities David Letterman recently interviewed

In his Netflix show “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman,” the retired night show host makes a comeback by hosting engaging interviews with celebrities. 

Recently, Letterman got personal with celebrities Kim Kardashian, Robert Downey Jr., Lizzo and Dave Chappelle. Here’s what we learned from the interviews:

Kim Kardashian: Then reality tv star, now millionaire influencer 

In his interview with the American reality star, Letterman and Kardashian discussed social media, particularly Instagram. In fact, the interview began with a conversation about the price of Kardashian’s expensive braid, to which Kardashian replied, “for a lifetime of hair, (it takes) one Instagram post” – insinuating that she gets major bread from social media.

Online platforms have become synonymous with the Kardashian clan. Kardashian explained how Instagram is a full-time job and is much more mainstream than television. 

Kardashian also name-dropped her younger sisters, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, by describing how they didn’t even know who Letterman was because they “don’t need to.” 

Robert Downey Jr.: Troubled young actor turned Hollywood superhero

Famous for roles from Iron Man to Sherlock Holmes, Downey talked with Letterman about the evolution of his career, from his time as an alcoholic and drug addict to his current glowing image as a superhero. 

Downey explained to Letterman that his substance abuse began at 8-years-old and led him to alcohol, cocaine and heroin. But after attending rehab and finishing his prison sentence due to violating a probation order, Downey proudly shared with Letterman that he is safe and sober. 

The actor also shared how he didn’t receive his high school diploma and grew up to love theater. Downey recounted how his love for comics began at a young age, so when the role of Iron Man, a superhero Marvel comic, came along, it wasn’t unfamiliar at all.

Letterman asked Downey if the Iron Man suit was ever real, to which Downey responded that, by the end of his role in the Marvel franchise (cough cough, sorry for the spoiler!), the suit was computer-generated. 

Dave Chappelle: The grounded comedian with a lot of wisdom

Letterman’s interview with comedian Chappelle took place during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. As Chappelle gave a tour of his little town in Ohio with a mask on, he discussed a myriad of things with Letterman, such as if departing from his successful show, the “Chappelle Show,” was ever worth leaving. Chappelle said that leaving the show brought difficult periods, but ultimately resulted in his current success.

Soon after, Chappelle discussed the importance of community. Talking about the Black Lives Matter movement and human rights, Chappelle took a political approach in his interview and said how trust is necessary for a community and within a country. 

Chappelle also talked about his relationship with fame and said, “I don’t like being a celebrity, but I like being famous,” referring to the life surrounding celebrities and how quickly people get swept up in the lights and glamour of fame and Hollywood.

He also spent time opening up about Islam, calling it a “beautiful religion,” which is different from mainstream narrations. Chappelle converted at 17-years-old after learning about Islam from a local pizza shop owner. 

Lizzo: The aspirational model

In her interview with Letterman, singer Melissa Viviane Jefferson, better known as Lizzo, discussed her journey from being a Houston girl to becoming a pop culture phenomenon. 

Lizzo also delved into personal hardships, such as how she dropped out of college due to her father’s death and its impact on her life.

Originally from Detroit, the star relocated to Texas to begin her career, transcending the traditional idea of what a musician should be. Lizzo shared with Letterman that the turning point of her career was when she became a rising star in the Minneapolis music scene, where she met singer Prince, leading to her current stardom in Los Angeles.

The interview wrapped up with Lizzo talking about body image. “I’m sick of being an activist just because I’m fat and Black ... I want to be an activist because I’m intelligent,” Lizzo said.

Season three of the show was released on Oct. 21 and is available only on Netflix.